Megan & Nick / Auletto's Wedding - Jenna Lynn Photography

Megan & Nick | Auletto’s
Deptford, NJ

He was the high school football player, she was the cheerleader. It is how almost all teen romance movies go – who knew that it could actually be reality. From a young age, the connection was strong for Megan and Nick. This was easy to see right away, when I first met them for their engagement session at Smithville Mansion in Mt Holly, NJ. These two (literal) high school sweethearts have a love story for the big screen.

Megan is a pure-hearted, kind soul who knows how to have fun. She also has the ability to make hilarious facial expressions to keep everyone laughing. Nick is the strong and silent type – an observer with such love in his gaze when looking at Megan. They are truly a perfect match and it was really enjoyable to watch their journey of marriage begin on May 5th, 2018, a beautiful Spring day for a wedding.

Megan and Nick got ready in separate areas of the new, modern Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Deptford, NJ. When I arrive to a location where the bride is getting ready, the first order of business is to find the right spot for a photograph of the wedding dress and details. The Marriott provides a meeting room off the lobby with wall paper that looks like a life size painting, and had perfect light pouring in from the two story windows. I knew right away the gown against the colors of the wall, that this would be one of my most favorite dress photos. Simply classic, just like Megan’s beautiful backless, lace wedding dress.

Details can set the tone for a wedding. For starters, Megan’s gorgeous Rose Gold engagement ring is made for a Princess. Her invitation, shoes, jewelry and colorful bouquet(with part of her mother’s wedding dress attached) along with other elements reflected a style which was very fitting for her- so lovely. Her wedding look was carefully planned, and everything turned out to be amazing.

Megan had two first looks: one with her father and one with Nick. Her Dad seemed a little nervous and he made a comment that seeing his daughter as a bride brought him back to his own wedding day with her mother as she was a carbon copy of her. Since becoming a parent myself, I have a different view of certain parts of a wedding day from a parent’s perspective now. I love feeling the emotions from the bride or groom’s parents because it is a special day for them as well!

We used the grounds of the venue for portraits of Megan and Nick as well as the bridal party. The lake made a great, natural background and including elements that made them choose Auletto’s was important. Megan had a great idea to repeat a photograph we took during their engagement session on the wedding day. She knew she would want to print these two images on large canvases for their home after their wedding day which filled my heart with happiness! Having a tangible piece of art to see everyday in your home is the best way to honor your day.

Nick and Megan had a touching ceremony at the Terrace Garden of their venue, Auletto’s in Deptford, NJ. The rain held out until after they said “I do”! What I remember most about their ceremony is something I learned about them that I believe everyone could benefit from doing. Do you and your significant other ever find yourself playing the “ I don’t know, what do you want to eat” game? Megan and Nick plan out their weekly meals together and even schedule in nights to eat out. There is no guessing! They pick at random, pre-written solutions for the upcoming week and they always know what the plan is! They even have a back up plan if one of them doesn’t feel in the mood for the selection. Simple and genius! Megan and Nick concluded their ceremony with a memory box. They placed items from their past, present and future in a time capsule to open at a later date. I love seeing how every wedding can implement unique elements into their day.

Once these two got to the reception, there was no shortage of crazy dance moves. When we first met for their engagement session, Megan told me it would be a challenge for me to capture Nick laughing or smiling as he was so serious. I did not find that I had this problem on their wedding day! No one could hold back their happiness. I am thankful to have met them and to have captured this special day in their relationship.